The dedication and focus of our staff in caring for and educating the children in their care is such a vital part of what makes Discovery Point so special.

Hows King

Director

(Owner) – Mr. Hows is on site daily and very involved in operations of the center; has Bachelor’s Degree from Duke University and a Masters Degree from the University of Chicago; he owns another Discovery Point in Suwanee. Mr. Hows is the President of the Georgia Childcare Association and has worked with the Governor and Commissioner promoting excellence in Child Development. He is married and is a father of three.

Kristi Koch

Director

Ms Kristi has been in education since 1999. She has been a Child Development Director since 2005. Mrs. Kristi has a degree in business management. She has two step-children, two sons of her own and has been a surrogate mother for a family who could not have a child on their own. She loves watching her boys play football. Mrs. Kristi is also a BIG Alabama Crimson Tide fan! Roll Tide!!!

Amy Mincey

Lead Teacher

(Lead Teacher, Achievers B) – Ms. Amy joined our team in 2013. She has had such positive impact on our Achievers preschool classroom. Amy is returning to her passion – preschool age children after leaving a childcare management position.

Ashley Phillabaum

Lead Teacher

(Lead Teacher, Toddlers) ? Mrs. Lorena rejoined our team in August 2012 after taking an extended maternity leave. She has 3 girls and is fluent in Spanish. Mrs. Lorena brings her warm, loving presence to complete a fantastic team of infant caregivers.

Dana Watson

Lead Teacher

(Lead Teacher, GA Pre-K)- Ms. Dana has her Bachelor’s Degree from North Georgia College. Before joining Discovery Point, Ms. Dana was an elementary school teacher in Cumming and has four children of her own.

Ellayna Blair

Lead Teacher

(Lead Teacher, Early Learners A) Ms. Ellayna started work at Discovery Point Cumming in February of 2014. She has been a Lead Teacher in Beginners as well as our Toddlers classrooms.

Lauren Davis

Lead Teacher

( Lead Teacher, GA Pre-K) Ms. Lauren has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood from Kennesaw State University. She has many years experience teaching children across all ages. She is known to the children and parents as Ms. LaLa. She has 2 young sons who bring joy and light to the staff here at Discovery Point.

Lidia Ayala & Kate Obracay

Lead Teacher

(Co-Lead Teachers, Beginners) – Ms. Lydia has been with Discovery Point Cumming for over 10 years. Early on, Ms. Lydia found her passion in the Beginners Classroom. Ms. Kate recently joined our family. Ms. Kate has a Degree in Early Childhood Education with a Specialization in Infant/Toddler Development.

Nadel Butler

Lead Teacher

(Lead Teacher, Early Learners B) – Ms. Nadel volunteered at Discovery Point for almost a year before officially joining the staff in August 2012. Ms. Nadel received the 2016 Children’s Tylenol Early Childhood Education Teacher Award joining 2 other teachers who have been so recognized at Discovery Point Cumming. She is married with three children and three grandchildren. Ms Nadel has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and in currently pursuing her Master’s degree. She loves working with children and guiding them through childhood! She feels she learns just as much from the children.

Penny Statham

Lead Teacher

Ms. Penny has worked in our Infant Room since August 2002. She has experience with special needs infants and is universally loved by the children and their parents. Ms Penny received the 2013 Children’s Tylenol National Early Childhood Education Teacher Award. She has earned her CDA credential. Ms Penny has a son.

Tiffany Lewis

Lead Teacher

(Lead Teacher Achievers A) – Ms. Tiffany recently moved from Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her family. Her career spans early childhood classroom and management experience.

Cyndi Hepworth

Staff

(Front Desk Manager) – Ms Cyndi joined our team in 2015 as a Lead Teacher. Her favorite quote from Dr. Seuss..”You are never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a book and read to a child.” Her passions include her daughter and the Theater. Ms. Cyndi can often be found on the weekends performing at local theater stage productions.

Melissa Fass

Staff

(Cook)- Ms. Melissa has decades of restaurant management and cook experience. She has been at Discovery Point Cumming since June 2012. Melissa is very knowledgeable with regards to USDA food guidelines, portion sizes, and sanitary food service procedures.

infant sitting with teacher